A beautiful spring day brought out sixteen survivors of winter as well as polio to the March 25th meeting of the Mobile Area Post-Polio Support Group.

     Sylvia Bern, facilitator, dedicated the first portion of the meeting to remembering Iris Page. Vera Moore had prepared keepsake cards with a photo of Iris taken when she was last present at a meeting, Christmas 2001. A second card invited everyone to record their tributes to Iris to be included in the April PPSG newsletter. Vera commented that there would be no PPSG in this area without Iris Page as she was instrumental in beginning the Mobile group which later assisted in forming the Pensacola group. Thirty minutes were devoted to sharing memories of joyful times with Iris and Chuck.

     Thanks were expressed to Eloise and Bennie Steele who had represented the Post-Polio groups at the Memorial Service for Iris, March 23, in the Patterson Chapel, First Baptist Church, Atmore, Alabama. Bennie shared that it was a most meaningful celebration of the victorious live Iris had made for herself. The service included singing and a video presentation showing photos of Iris from childhood through teen and adult years. Patterson Chapel was filled and many gave personal tribute to Iris and the encouragement she had given to them. Larry Ready reported he had attempted to attend the Providence Hospital Festival of Flowers but had to give up and go wait in the vehicle while Ginger completed the tour. There apparently been no consideration given to making the exhibit accessible to those with handicapping conditions. A recommendation that letters be written to those responsible was approved unanimously.

     Sylvia Bern requested that we observe and report businesses and public facilities which do not meet ADA standards. Many offered sad experiences when access was denied or caused extreme difficulty. James Cheeseboro reported he had been able to help several churches to improve their accessibility by discussing the problem with those concerned.

     The Goodwill Easter Seal request for contributions toward ASCCA camping fees was discussed. It was stressed that contributions are strictly “as you are able.” Attending Camp ASCCA is NOT dependent on your ability to pay. Those making donations toward the scholarships will be kept confidential and no one other than GWES will know who contributes and who does not.

     We had another great support group meeting in March. We had 19 people attend. Clara Norsworthy brought a birthday cookie for everyone. It was our 6th year. We have grown so much and treasure every new member that can tell their story.

     It's funny how we are all the same in the type of illness that we have, but all so separate in our experiences on how to overcome it. I know I speak for everyone to say how much the support group helps. Many of us have talked about how alone we felt most of our lives. It was a relief at this stage of our lives to know we are not the only ones to start suffering with new symptoms.

     We talked about the paper work on our camp trip in May. Pat Kaderly had received her packet and Clara spoke of how important it was to get our paperwork in. We are very excited about going and hope to have a big group go. The fellowship is wonderful and the activities are many.

     Hope to see everyone at the April 15th meeting since it will be our last meeting before camp.

     Everyone enjoy spring.